In Bullets In a recent study, researchers demonstrated how air pollutants weaken the ability to fight viral infections. The team found that when rats were exposed to a dose of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) for seven days, it induced pulmonary pathological alteration, increased pro-inflammatory cytokines (responsible for inflammation responses), and changed the ratio of molecules involved in the defense against viral attack. The study finds that environmental factors such as NO2, PM10, and O3 have significantly decreased Interferon- γ (IFN-γ) production — a key molecule required in fighting viral infections. Sources of NO2 are the exhaust fumes from transport and industries, which means the atmospheric concentration of this gas will be higher in cities and megacities and may suggest that the immune response in individuals living in cities might be relatively poor in fighting viral infections than the individuals living in rural areas. The study further points out that nitrogen oxides, such as NO2, decreased significantly during the lockdown.
More information: Allouche et al.(2022). Air pollution exposure induces a decrease in type II interferon response: A paired cohort study. eBioMedicine. DOI:10.1016/j.ebiom.2022.104291
Journal information: eBioMedicine
Heart diseases are related not only to environmental pollutants but also to factors like smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Premature coronary artery disease (PCAD) is a medical condition in which the coronary arteries get narrow. A study that included 299 people with PCAD in Iran found that a higher intake of refined grains was linked to an increased risk of PCAD, while the effect of whole grain intake was quite the opposite. That means that the intake of refined grains increases the risk of premature heart disease and consumption of whole grains was linked to the reduced risk.
More information: ACC Middle East 2022 Together With 13th Emirates Cardiac Society Congress.
To fight climate change, scientists have recently developed a heat-reflective substance, which can be used in coating buildings and objects to reflect heat and remain cooler than the air temperature. The coating material can reflect nearly 98% of the Sun’s energy and radiate 95% of the absorbed heat back into space. In a test, the team found that the coated surface temperature drops 8.9°C below the air temperature. Additionally, the coating material can withstand intense sunlight, high temperature, water immersion, and mechanical wear. The team is further developing heat-reflective coating materials that can be used to coat pavements, textiles, and windows.
More information: Yang et al.(2022). Geopolymer-based sub-ambient daytime radiative cooling coating. EcoMat. DOI:10.1002/eom2.12284
Journal information: EcoMat